Leviticus 20:24

KJV

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I [am] the LORD your God, which have separated you from [other] people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I have said {H559} unto you, Ye shall inherit {H3423} their land {H127}, and I will give {H5414} it unto you to possess {H3423} it, a land {H776} that floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which have separated {H914} you from other people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But to you I have said, "You will inherit their land; I will give it to you as a possession, a land flowing with milk and honey."I am ADONAI your God, who has set you apart from other peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples.

American Standard Version

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey: I am Jehovah your God, who hath separated you from the peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:24 serves as a profound capstone to a chapter replete with commands concerning holiness and separation, particularly from the defiling practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. In this verse, the Lord reaffirms His unwavering covenant promise to Israel: the inheritance of a fertile and prosperous land. This divine declaration not only underscores God's faithfulness to His ancient promises but also powerfully reiterates Israel's unique identity as a people specially chosen and set apart by Him, emphasizing that their continued possession of the promised blessings is intrinsically linked to their obedience to His holy character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20 stands as a climactic section within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), which meticulously outlines the requirements for Israel to live as a holy people in the presence of a holy God. Chapters 18 and 19 detail specific prohibitions against sexual immorality, idolatry, and other pagan practices, often contrasting them sharply with the customs of Egypt and Canaan. Chapter 20 then escalates these warnings, prescribing severe penalties, including death, for offenses such as child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums, incest, and bestiality. The immediate verses preceding 20:24 (Leviticus 20:22-23) serve as a stark warning, reminding Israel that the land itself would "vomit out" its inhabitants if they defiled it with such abominations, just as it had done to the nations before them. Against this backdrop of severe judgment and the imperative for moral purity, verse 24 emerges as a powerful reassertion of God's covenant promise of the land, contingent upon Israel's faithful adherence to the distinct identity and holy lifestyle He had ordained for them. It functions as both a motivation for obedience and a reminder of the gracious inheritance awaiting them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, Israel was transitioning from a nomadic people to a settled nation, poised to enter the land of Canaan. This land was already inhabited by various peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) whose religious and social practices were antithetical to the holiness God demanded of Israel. These practices included widespread idolatry, cultic prostitution, and the horrific ritual of child sacrifice to deities like Molech, explicitly condemned in [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2-5 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice"). God's command to "separate" Israel from these nations was not merely a matter of ethnic distinction but a profound call to moral and spiritual purity. The land itself was seen as sacred, belonging to Yahweh, and its defilement by unholy practices would lead to the expulsion of its inhabitants, as articulated in [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Consequences of Defiling the Land"). Thus, the promise of inheriting a "land flowing with milk and honey" was inextricably linked to Israel's commitment to maintaining their distinct, holy identity in stark contrast to the corrupt cultures they were displacing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **holiness**, emphasizing God's intrinsic character and His demand for His people to reflect that character in every aspect of their lives. This holiness necessitates **separation**—a deliberate distinction from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations, as seen in the repeated warnings throughout [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholiness"). The verse also highlights God's **covenant faithfulness**, reaffirming the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land. This land, described as one "flowing with milk and honey," symbolizes **divine blessing and provision**, contingent upon Israel's **obedience** to the covenant stipulations. Ultimately, the verse encapsulates the reciprocal relationship between God's grace and Israel's responsibility to live as His uniquely chosen and consecrated people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inherit (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb signifies "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." In the context of Leviticus 20:24, it carries the weight of a divinely granted right to possess the land, implying both the displacement of previous inhabitants and the establishment of Israel's rightful claim. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing a secure and lasting tenure.
* **Separated (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** This word means "to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)." It is a foundational concept in Leviticus, used to delineate between clean and unclean, holy and common, and here, between Israel and the surrounding nations. The active voice ("I have separated you") highlights God's sovereign initiative in choosing and consecrating Israel for His unique purposes, demanding a distinct lifestyle that reflects His holy character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the certainty of God's promise. The "their land" refers to the territory of the Canaanite nations, which Israel was destined to possess. This is a direct fulfillment of the covenant established with Abraham, reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring God's faithfulness to His word.
* **"and I will give it unto you to possess it":** This reinforces the idea of divine gift and ownership. The land is not to be conquered by Israel's might alone, but is a gracious endowment from God. The repetition of "possess" underscores the permanence and security of this inheritance, which is contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant.
* **"a land that floweth with milk and honey":** This iconic idiom describes a land of extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It paints a vivid picture of a rich agricultural landscape capable of sustaining a thriving nation, symbolizing God's generous provision and blessing for His obedient people, a stark contrast to the wilderness they had endured.
* **"I am the LORD your God":** This is a fundamental covenant formula, asserting God's sovereign authority, His unique relationship with Israel, and His exclusive claim on their worship and obedience. It serves as the ultimate basis for all His commands and promises, reinforcing His identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.
* **"which have separated you from other people":** This final clause reiterates the core theme of the chapter and indeed, much of Leviticus. God's act of separation is the foundation of Israel's unique identity and calling. This distinction is not merely ethnic or geographical but profoundly moral and spiritual, demanding a lifestyle of holiness that sets them apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the world.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:24 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The phrase "**a land that floweth with milk and honey**" is a quintessential **idiom** in biblical literature, vividly conveying extraordinary fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. It is a sensory image that evokes the richness and prosperity promised by God, a stark contrast to the arid wilderness. Furthermore, the declaration "**I am the LORD your God**" is a classic **covenant formula** or **divine self-attestation**. This phrase frequently appears in the Mosaic Law, serving as the ultimate ground for all divine commands and promises, emphasizing God's sovereign authority and His exclusive, personal relationship with Israel. The entire verse also functions as a form of **inclusio** for the chapter's themes, beginning with God's promise of the land and concluding with His act of separation, thus framing the intervening commands for holiness within the context of divine grace and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:24 powerfully encapsulates several core theological truths: God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, His sovereign election of a people for Himself, and the intrinsic link between divine blessing and human obedience. The promise of the land, described as "flowing with milk and honey," signifies God's abundant provision and the tangible blessings that accompany a right relationship with Him. This inheritance, however, is not unconditional; it is predicated on Israel's willingness to live out their unique identity as a "separated" people, reflecting God's holiness in a world steeped in paganism. This separation underscores the radical distinctiveness of God's character and His demand for exclusive allegiance, forming the very foundation of their covenant relationship.

* [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promise of a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel as a Holy People")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 20:24, while rooted in ancient Israel's experience, offers profound truths for believers today. It reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, even when His people falter. Just as He promised Israel a physical inheritance, so too has He promised believers a spiritual inheritance in Christ—a "land" of spiritual abundance, peace, and eternal life. This verse also serves as a powerful call to holiness and separation. We, too, are called to be a distinct people, set apart by God's grace from the values, practices, and idolatries of the surrounding culture. Our conduct, ethics, and priorities should visibly reflect the character of our holy God, demonstrating the transforming power of His presence in our lives. The blessings of God, while not always material, are intimately connected to our willingness to walk in obedience and maintain our unique identity as His chosen ones, living lives that honor His name and bear witness to His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I experience God's "land flowing with milk and honey" in my life today, even if it's not a physical inheritance?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am "separated" by God from the prevailing cultural norms and values? Where might I need to grow in this area?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to Israel's inheritance, how does this strengthen my trust in His promises for my own life and future?**
* **What specific practices or attitudes in my life need to be aligned more closely with God's call to holiness and distinctiveness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey"?**

Answer: The phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey" is a rich biblical idiom symbolizing extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It paints a picture of a land so productive that it naturally yields essential sustenance in great quantities. "Milk" represents the thriving of livestock (cows, goats), indicating rich pastures and a healthy animal economy, while "honey" (likely wild honey from bees or date syrup) signifies the lushness of flora, fruitfulness, and the sweetness of life. Together, they convey a vision of a self-sustaining, bountiful land where God's people would experience His generous provision and blessing, a stark contrast to the barrenness of the desert they had traversed. This imagery is used throughout the Pentateuch to describe the Promised Land, such as in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of a Bountiful Land").

**How does God "separate" His people, and what does that mean for believers today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, God "separated" Israel through His sovereign election, His covenant with them, and the giving of His Law. This separation was multi-faceted: it was geographical (setting them apart in a specific land), cultic (establishing unique worship practices and dietary laws), and most importantly, moral and spiritual (demanding a holy lifestyle distinct from the pagan nations around them). The purpose was for Israel to be a holy nation, a light to the Gentiles, reflecting God's character. For believers today, this concept of separation is spiritual and ethical rather than geographical or cultic. We are separated by God's grace through Christ, called to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples' Sanctification")). This means living according to God's values, pursuing holiness, and rejecting the sinful practices and idolatries of the prevailing culture, as encouraged in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World"). Our separation is for the purpose of bearing witness to Christ and living lives that glorify God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:24, with its themes of divine promise, inherited land, and a separated people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "land that floweth with milk and honey" foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and abundant life that believers receive in Christ, far surpassing any earthly territory. Through His atoning work, Jesus grants us access to the true "rest" and "inheritance" that Hebrews speaks of, a spiritual reality in the heavenly places, as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God"). Furthermore, the concept of God "separating" a people finds its apex in the New Covenant. Believers, drawn from every tribe and nation, are now the "separated" people of God, a holy nation and a peculiar people ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), set apart by the blood of Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Our separation is not merely from pagan practices but unto Christ, who is our life, our hope, and our ultimate "land" of abundant provision. As the "LORD our God," Jesus embodies the divine presence and covenant faithfulness, making us heirs of an eternal kingdom and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), a fulfillment far grander than any earthly promise.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 14:2

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Exodus 33:16

For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Leviticus 20:26

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD [am] holy, and have severed you from [other] people, that ye should be mine.